Leeds fans went too far with Cellino protests, says new CEO

Leeds United chief executive Ben Mansford has told BBC Radio Leeds that criticism of club owner Massimo Cellino has gone too far at times.

Cellino is a divisive figure, drawing criticism with his constant chopping and changing of managers, and the club's key players being sold on, Ross McCormack and Lewis Cook.

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino watches from the stands

Yet Mansford, who took up his role at Leeds earlier this summer, says some sections of supporters have been over the top with their criticism.

Speaking to the station last night (26/7) at 6pm, Mansford said: "At times negativity has gone too far. If you read up on certain instances of campaigns, I think it's too much.

"It's probably cost them any populist support, one or two things going too far. At the end of the day he (Cellino) came in when nobody else really wanted to. He put his money where his mouth is, and he's still here.

"He's very very keen to get Leeds United back to the Premier League, and some of mistakes he made are out of emotion and desire to succeed."

Last season a number of stunts were pulled off outside Elland Road, including a banner being projected onto the stadium, and even a mock funeral for the club.

General view of a protest against Leeds owner Massimo Cellino before the match

The summer break has seen the bad feeling towards Cellino subside a little, and with a new manager in charge and six players brought in despite the Cook sale, there is reason to be positive.

Mansford, predictably in his position, sounds as if he wants calm around the club off the pitch, which can help the team on it, but as recent history has shown, it can just take one Cellino despite to throw everything off kilter again.

What do you think of Ben Mansford's comments?

Dan Coombs

Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
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